5 tips to turn your oral health resolutions into healthy habits

Many of us often start the new year determined to improve our healthy habits for our teeth. However, maintaining momentum throughout the year and transforming a resolution into a beneficial new habit can be challenging.  

Paying more attention to what’s happening inside our mouths is a great resolution. Especially as good oral health contributes to our overall health and well-being and helps us to feel confident around other people¹.  Caring for our mouth, teeth and gums does not need to be complex or even take up much time, but it does require consistency. As with most other resolutions, it’s not making the plan and starting which is difficult, it’s continuing the habits each day.  

Five tips to form healthy dental habits

1. Brush your teeth and gums for at least 2 minutes twice daily. Pick a time to brush and set a reminder if you need it.   
2. Floss daily. Place your floss near your toothbrush where you can see it. This will help you to remember to do both.  
3. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks. Read food and beverage labels when you purchase. Planning and preparing food ahead of time can help you avoid snacking. Remember, water is the best drink for your mouth and to stay hydrated.   
4. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner, if the bristles are worn out or you’ve recently been sick. You may like to keep an extra toothbrush or electric toothbrush head on hand for when you need it, especially if you forget to add it to your shipping list.  
5. Visit your dentist at least once a year for check-ups and cleanings, preferably every six months. Set a reminder, or even better, at the end of each appointment, book you next one. Don’t worry if this is 6 or 12 months away, we’ll remind you when your appointments are coming up.  

But how can I remember to continue these healthy dental habits?

When we’re developing habits so they become routine, it can help to set triggers or cues that signal when it’s time to engage in a particular behaviour. It may help to identify a trigger associated with your resolution and associate it with something enjoyable².  

Savouring the feeling of having a clean mouth after brushing and getting positive feedback from your dentist at regular check-ups will also reinforce oral health practices.  

Try to avoid self-criticism if you don’t always meet your oral health targets. It can take time to form new habits, no matter how beneficial they are. Repetition also helps to reinforce actions, so they become embedded in our behaviours.  

Regular check-ups

Build a relationship with your dentist. They will work in partnership with you to optimise your oral health and boost your general sense of well-being. Ask your dentist what you can do at home to reduce the likelihood of dental problems. Book an appointment today to discuss your oral health.    

¹https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health#tab=tab_1  

²https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/creating-healthy-habits